Hanna to bring residents into the wild when he visits aquarium

Updated 6:14 pm, Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Celebrated zookeeper Jack Hanna will bring some special animal friends âÄì like perhaps this cheetah âÄì during appearances at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk on Thurs., March 14. Show times are 4 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 ($40 for Aquarium members). Reserve your tickets at www.maritimeaquarium.org or by calling 203-852-0700, ext. 2206.
Photo: Contributed Photo

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Celebrated zookeeper Jack Hanna will recount his adventures in the wild while displaying some of his animal friends in two special shows on Thursday, March 14, at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

The animal adventures will begin at 4 and 8 p.m. in the Aquarium's IMAX Theater. Tickets are $45, $40 for aquarium members.

"We are excited to welcome Jack as part of our Global Insights series, which offers us a better understanding of our world through the experiences of today's best environmentalists and adventurers," said Jennifer Herring, president of the Maritime Aquarium. "We definitely share his passion and compassion for the natural world, and look forward to hosting not only Jack, but also the animals that he'll be sharing with us."

Hanna is one of America's most beloved naturalists and adventurers. The director emeritus of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo hosts two weekly TV"shows and is a frequent guest on "Good Morning America," "The Late Show with David Letterman" and other popular programs.

For his enthusiasm and wonderment with every new creature and experience he encounters, it's no wonder he's been called "every person's TV zoologist."

His route to becoming a national celebrity began in Knoxville, Tenn., where he raised bluegills in the family bathtub and then extended his menagerie to their backyard. After majoring in business in college, Hanna worked for a wildlife adventure company and then directed a small Florida zoo before moving to Columbus (1978-92), where his improvements to exhibits and educational programs helped to transform the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium into a state-of-the-art park.

Now, in addition to public and television-guest appearances, Hanna takes millions of viewers on exciting journeys each week to learn about animals in his syndicated shows "Into the Wild--and "Wild Countdown."